Bristol ‘kill the bill’ protester jailed for nine months 

A woman who pushed a wheelie bin into a burning police vehicle has been sentenced to nine months in prison.

Facing a trial at Bristol Crown Court in February, Jasmine York, 26, of Brislington, denied all wrongdoing and was cleared of charges of riot and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

But she was convicted of an alternative charge of arson after footage emerged showing her pushing a bin towards a burning police car.

People turned out to show their support for the protester when she returned to court to be sentenced on Monday.

At the hearing, the court was told York said “we will burn your cars” at a demonstration in Bristol city centre on March 21, 2021. She claimed she had placed herself between the crowd and officers because she knew she would not retaliate in the face of police violence.

The march was staged in opposition to the government’s controversial Police, Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill. It came after a vigil for Sarah Everard at around 2pm that afternoon, which York also attended.

Initially peaceful, the ‘kill the bill’ protest turned violent outside Bridewell police station as riot vans and police cars were set on fire.

Police horses on the night of the ‘kill the bill’ riot – photo: Martin Booth

About her role in the night of protest that made global headlines, detective superintendent James Riccio, senior investigating officer, said: “Jasmine York unquestionably contributed to the unrest felt by many that shameful night.”

“She may not have physically attacked officers but she added fuel to the fire of a burning police car, creating an intimidating atmosphere for officers trying to maintain order.”

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A small group gathered on Small Street to show their support, brought together by Bristol Anti-Repression Campaign, an organisation made up of ‘kill the bill’ activists.

Reacting to the news of the sentence, Bristol Anti-Repression Campaign said: “Although we were hoping for a non-custodial sentence, this wasn’t unexpected – the repression following Kill the Bill protests has been harsh. The police and judge Patrick are trying to send a message to anyone who takes a stand.

“We’re proud of Jasmine, who tried hard to protect other women from the police and was severely beaten by them herself. We’re glad that she was found unanimously not guilty of riot, and also not guilty of a more serious form of arson in her trial last month.

“We do not recognise the legitimacy of this sentence. We recognise that the legal system is designed to maintain inequality, protect the police, and prevent political dissent.”

Judge James Patrick addressed York directly during the hearing, saying: “You were very aware of the damage caused to police equipment and property paid for out of national taxation for the benefit of the community.”

He added: “You played your part in the unlawfulness.”

Fifteen people have now been handed prison sentences for offences committed during the riot on Bridewell Street last year.

Police say those sentenced so far have been jailed for a combined total 57 years and 11 months.

Main photo: Avon & Somerset Police

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